Well, Thanksgiving is done. The hustle and bustle of the season has truly begun. I trust and hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner, and then, a new year!
I love this time of year. Taking out the decorations, the ooh's and aah's of the kids as they see their favorite ornaments. The excitement and anticipation in their eyes! Everything looks so festive, the kitchen almost always smells great with all those traditional holiday treats baking, and the music we listen to only at this time fills our homes.
Yes, it's a wonderful time of year. This year, like many of you, I find myself "scrambling" to finish up those projects I wanted to have done for gifts. I count the days, look at the hours, and wonder..."How will I get it all done?" Maybe if I cut out sleeping?! I seem to do this to myself every year, so maybe next year, I should start in January!
Regardless, I am determined to enjoy the process. I usually get a little "stressed"...trying to find the perfect gift, make the perfect meal, be the perfect Mom, wife, daughter, friend. This year, although I'm sure I'll still try, I realize that the perfect gift doesn't come from a store. It's quite simply the love and friendship we extend to each other every day. The perfect meal won't come from my kitchen, but one made from loving hands will. And try as I might, I'll never be the perfect anything. Instead, I'll just be me and hope that that's enough!
So, have a Happy Holiday, don't get stressed, and give, give, give all the love you can!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Book Report
I love the title of this post, it makes me feel like a kid again, back in school, having to do a 'book report'. The truth of the matter is though, it's been a really long time since I went to school, and I just wanted to give you all an update.
I did receive the contracts, and with shaky hand, I also signed them. Now the hard work begins! The first samples are due in December with the bulk of the manuscript, all completed projects, instructions, photos, and illustrations due early next year.
I had no idea how much went into this. To say I was clueless, would be an understatement! But like many people, when challenged, we somehow find the resolve to meet those challenges. And like many people, I count myself lucky to have great friends willing to pitch in and help!
I feel certain this will be one of those 'life lessons' for me. But, truth be told, I'm looking forward to it. There can be no reward without risk, no victory without a struggle. As the days go by, and I find myself closer to those deadlines, I hope and pray I find the fortitude to 'press on'. That's what makes all of us so great, the ability to rise to the occassion. I've evidenced it by others on a much greater scale, am encouraged by their examples, and am ready, right now, to get to work! Wish me luck!
I did receive the contracts, and with shaky hand, I also signed them. Now the hard work begins! The first samples are due in December with the bulk of the manuscript, all completed projects, instructions, photos, and illustrations due early next year.
I had no idea how much went into this. To say I was clueless, would be an understatement! But like many people, when challenged, we somehow find the resolve to meet those challenges. And like many people, I count myself lucky to have great friends willing to pitch in and help!
I feel certain this will be one of those 'life lessons' for me. But, truth be told, I'm looking forward to it. There can be no reward without risk, no victory without a struggle. As the days go by, and I find myself closer to those deadlines, I hope and pray I find the fortitude to 'press on'. That's what makes all of us so great, the ability to rise to the occassion. I've evidenced it by others on a much greater scale, am encouraged by their examples, and am ready, right now, to get to work! Wish me luck!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Quilts are more than the sum of their parts
I know, I know, I lapsed! This new job has proven to be much more time consuming than I'd originally thought. But, excuses, excuses, RIGHT?
I did have a few people from my new job over recently. You know how it is, as you're trying to get to know people, you ask ALOT of questions...family? kids? music? hobbies? etc???
When I told my new co-workers that one of my greatest joys was quilting, they just kinda 'shrugged it off'. Visions of quilts made from shirts and dresses must have been dancing through their heads! However, as they came here, I saw their visions change.
Most of my quilts are very traditional, but I do have a few of those "artsy" ones hanging around. When everyone saw this one, I believe their opinions of quilting changed. They leaarned, as have I, that quilts can be hung on walls, be decorative, even hold 'center stage'. But mostly, what quilts bring us is joy and comfort. They give us warmth. They bring back memories. Somehow, surrounded by one, we feel nurtured, safe, and secure.
Quilts are much more than the scraps they're made of; they are part of the fabric of our lives. How wonderful it is to be a quilter, how happy I am to be one!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
What a Week!
This has been quite a week. You know the kind I mean...running around like a chicken with it's head cut off! Not sure if you're coming or going! For example, I went to the mall the other day, to purchase some new clothes as it's getting rather cold. And I was really frustrated, because as I was reading the signs, everything was supposed to be open by 10. At about quarter after, I asked another person sitting on a bench if they happened to know why the stores hadn't opened yet? She replied by saying that they didn't open till 11 on Sundays. I had my days so mixed up, I hadn't even realized it was Sunday!
Well, such is life! Some days just go by so fast! I am happy to announce that Stacie, Phyllis' daughter, had her baby. A happy, healthy little girl. Mother, father, and grandmother all having a great time as they celebrate a new life!! What an exciting time, but, like me, they may find the days passing in a blur!
As for me, this week, I'm trying to keep my days straight, accomplish something in my sewing room, and somehow, enjoy the process! You know, maybe the days passing quickly is a Blessing. Better to be busy, happily going from one thing to the next, than to be dreading another long, boring day. So far, my days haven't been boring, so think I'll just decide to be Thankful! It sure beats the alternative!
Well, such is life! Some days just go by so fast! I am happy to announce that Stacie, Phyllis' daughter, had her baby. A happy, healthy little girl. Mother, father, and grandmother all having a great time as they celebrate a new life!! What an exciting time, but, like me, they may find the days passing in a blur!
As for me, this week, I'm trying to keep my days straight, accomplish something in my sewing room, and somehow, enjoy the process! You know, maybe the days passing quickly is a Blessing. Better to be busy, happily going from one thing to the next, than to be dreading another long, boring day. So far, my days haven't been boring, so think I'll just decide to be Thankful! It sure beats the alternative!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Good News.....I Think!
As you all know, my greatest passion outside of my family, is quilting. While living in Italy, I rarely got a chance to sew. None of my friends quilted there, they didn't have fabric shops, and unfortunately, we didn't always have reliable electricity. So, at that time, I started playing with designing quilts.
My husband, Vince, has long encouraged me to try and publish. For some reason, he's always believed in me, even when I could find no belief in myself! Finally, prodded one too many times, I submitted some patterns with a book idea to a publishing company. That was several months ago, and finally, yesterday!, I got an e-mail saying the proposal had been approved, and the contracts would be put in the mail.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I'm not even sure what to say! Even though it is not a 'done deal', I still feel like dancing!!! I can't help but be a little excited.
So...Thank God for my husband! Without his continual encouragement I may never have tried this. He is my love, my life, and we are "Better Together". I hope you all will join me, join me in hope and prayer. That I can and will meet all the deadlines. That this will work out. And hopefully, that a new quilting book called "Better Together" is soon on a shelf in a quilt shop near you!
My husband, Vince, has long encouraged me to try and publish. For some reason, he's always believed in me, even when I could find no belief in myself! Finally, prodded one too many times, I submitted some patterns with a book idea to a publishing company. That was several months ago, and finally, yesterday!, I got an e-mail saying the proposal had been approved, and the contracts would be put in the mail.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I'm not even sure what to say! Even though it is not a 'done deal', I still feel like dancing!!! I can't help but be a little excited.
So...Thank God for my husband! Without his continual encouragement I may never have tried this. He is my love, my life, and we are "Better Together". I hope you all will join me, join me in hope and prayer. That I can and will meet all the deadlines. That this will work out. And hopefully, that a new quilting book called "Better Together" is soon on a shelf in a quilt shop near you!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monumental Decision
Well, today I made a monumental decision, and commitment. It is one I have made before, without long term success, but, with hope springing eternal, I am praying that this time it sticks!
I have decided to quit smoking. I've ordered the medication, which is supposed to help, and am working on all the reasons why this is a good decision. You see, I've smoked for 35 years. Yikes! And quite frankly, am tired of being a 'slave' to cigarettes.
What prompted this? My husband, who was taking a creative writing class, had as an assignment a persuasive essay...persuade a friend to quit smoking. As a challenge, I decided to do this essay as well. Mine was called "The Letter", and I wrote it, from one friend to another, upon her deathbed. Well, by the time I'd finished, I was in tears, real ones!
And I realized that could be me! It was, and still is, a real "wake up call". Guess I'll walk around with that essay tucked into my pocket, ready to read should I consider wavering. 35 years of a habit may be hard to break, but God willing, with love and hope, prayer and commitment, this time I'll make it.
Wish me luck! I need it!
I have decided to quit smoking. I've ordered the medication, which is supposed to help, and am working on all the reasons why this is a good decision. You see, I've smoked for 35 years. Yikes! And quite frankly, am tired of being a 'slave' to cigarettes.
What prompted this? My husband, who was taking a creative writing class, had as an assignment a persuasive essay...persuade a friend to quit smoking. As a challenge, I decided to do this essay as well. Mine was called "The Letter", and I wrote it, from one friend to another, upon her deathbed. Well, by the time I'd finished, I was in tears, real ones!
And I realized that could be me! It was, and still is, a real "wake up call". Guess I'll walk around with that essay tucked into my pocket, ready to read should I consider wavering. 35 years of a habit may be hard to break, but God willing, with love and hope, prayer and commitment, this time I'll make it.
Wish me luck! I need it!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Quilters Quarter Salad
Hi You All!
Wanted to post a recipe as this is a great end of summer salad. I call it the "Quilters Quarter" salad because the dressing is a variation of a quarter of something! It's really great, very simple, and has been served at many a Bee and Retreat. So...hope you enjoy!
Dressing:
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Oil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. celery salt
Mix all above and refrigerate. I like to serve this over a salad of baby romaine, cucumber, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup craisins, 1/4 cup cashews, almonds, or pecans, diced strawberries and shaved parmesan cheese. Just shake up the dressing and toss with salad immediately prior to serving. Bon appetit'!
Wanted to post a recipe as this is a great end of summer salad. I call it the "Quilters Quarter" salad because the dressing is a variation of a quarter of something! It's really great, very simple, and has been served at many a Bee and Retreat. So...hope you enjoy!
Dressing:
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Oil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. celery salt
Mix all above and refrigerate. I like to serve this over a salad of baby romaine, cucumber, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup craisins, 1/4 cup cashews, almonds, or pecans, diced strawberries and shaved parmesan cheese. Just shake up the dressing and toss with salad immediately prior to serving. Bon appetit'!
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